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Spawning

A year a ago this month I worked for two weeks as a whole fish processor on the docks of Bellingham. I am SO thankful to NOT work there this year. Lessons learned covered in fish slime, fish blood and fish sperm are lessons well remembered. Join me in my suffering from this 2013 reblog:

Spawning Coho Salmon are one of the most attractive fish. This is a BIG fish with an average length of 28 inches, occasionally reaching 36 pounds. This fish is currently “in season” at the processing plants on the docks of Bellingham Bay. I know this first hand because I am a fish flinger.

Coho’s Looking for Love

The Coho pre-spawning colors are silver with some black dots on the back. When the hormones activate and send the fish into “spawn mode”, it transforms into a monster fish! Vibrant shades of pink, burgundy, neon green and black grow over the silver scales. The males mouth jets out, teeth blaring like an old ladys stubborn poodle. The females grow eggs, 2500-3000, on either side of their organs in sacks that start just under the jaw and run down the length of their bodies. These fish are ready to get it…